Pelargonium fragrans - Willd.

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Summary

Physical Characteristics

 
Pelargonium fragrans is an evergreen Shrub growing to 0.3 m (1ft) by 0.3 m (1ft in).
It is hardy to zone (UK) 9 and is frost tender. It is in leaf 12-Jan It is in flower from May to August. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: acid, neutral and basic (alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil.

Synonyms

Habitats

 South Wall. By. West Wall. By.

Edible Uses

Edible Parts:
Edible Uses: Condiment.

The crushed leaves are used to flavour jellies, cakes, fruit dishes, vinegars etc[183]. They give a spicy flavour to coffee[238].

Medicinal Uses

Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.

Astringent.

All parts of the plant are astringent[4]. The leaves are used externally as a rub for aching feet or legs[238]. They can be harvested as required and used fresh[238].

Other Uses

Essential.

An essential oil is obtained from the plant. It has a nutmeg fragrance[1, 46, 104]. The dried leaves are added to pot-pourri[238].

Cultivation details

Requires a light well-drained neutral to alkaline soil in a sunny position[188, 200]. Plants are not very hardy in Britain, they generally require greenhouse protection but might succeed outdoors when grown in a very sheltered warm spot in the mildest parts of the country[1]. They can also be grown in containers that are placed outdoors in the summer and then brought into the greenhouse or conservatory for the winter[238]. The plants need to be kept fairly dry in the winter[200]. Very tolerant of pruning, they can be cut right down to the base in the autumn when bringing them back indoors, or in the spring to encourage lots of fresh growth[238]. The leaves have a strong scent of pine[188]. There are some named varieties, selected for their ornamental value[238].

Propagation

Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a greenhouse. Stored seed should be sown in early spring in a greenhouse. The seed germinates best with a minimum temperature of 13°c, germination usually taking place within 2 weeks though it sometimes takes some months[200]. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. If trying them outdoors, plant them out in early summer and consider giving them extra protection during the winter. Cuttings succeed at almost any time in the growing season but early summer is the best time in order for the new plant to become established before winter.

Other Names

If available other names are mentioned here

Found In

Countries where the plant has been found are listed here if the information is available

Weed Potential

Right plant wrong place. We are currently updating this section. Please note that a plant may be invasive in one area but may not in your area so it’s worth checking.

Conservation Status

IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status :

Expert comment

Author

Willd.

Botanical References

1

Links / References

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